JP2002258729A - Foreign language learning system, information processing terminal for the same and server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a foreign language learning system which enables learners to carry out efficient foreign language learning. SOLUTION: The server 2 delivers the learning subjects meeting the language ability of the learners to portable information terminals 1 possessed by the respective learners (step 1), for example, based on the results of the test executed in advance. The portable information terminals 1 have the learning carried out and check the learning contents (check whether the learners make learning seriously). The portable information terminals have the learning carried out relating to not only 'reading' and 'listening' but 'writing' and 'speaking' as the learning subjects and are capable of checking the learning contents (step S3). The terminals send the learning results to the server 2 (step S4) and upon receipt thereof, the server side makes analyses (step S5), determines the next learning subjects according to the results of the analyses and delivers the same (step S6).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foreign language learning system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has become very important to improve foreign language (especially English) proficiency, especially for Japanese people. This goes without saying when I was in junior high school / high school etc.
It is also important for working adults, and the need to re-learn English etc. is increasing.

[0003] However, it is important for English learning to accumulate. For example, even if a person who does not fully understand the grammar of English at the junior high school level, giving English education at the university level will hardly achieve any results. Actually confirmed by the applicant of the invention.

[0004] Therefore, for such a person, first, sufficient English learning at the junior high school level, and then learning while gradually increasing the level, lead to efficient English learning. For example, even in universities, there are many university students who do not fully understand middle school English. Even if a person of such a level is studied together with a university student of a level that has achieved high grades in an entrance examination including English as a subject of the university entrance examination, the ability is not significantly improved. Also, in the educational process of junior high school / high school, etc., since the class at the school deals with a large number of students at once, it is not possible to conduct classes tailored to the level of each individual, and some students will not be able to follow the class . On the other hand, when a supplementary lesson or the like is performed, the burden on teachers and the like increases. Therefore, a system for automatically performing such learning individually is desired. Of course, it is not limited to the purpose of supplementary lessons, etc., and it is convenient for all foreign language learners to have such a system.
However, instead of simply presenting a problem or an assignment and leaving it to the learner's "motivation" or independence, it is desirable to be able to manage the learning situation.

An object of the present invention is to provide appropriate teaching materials and test questions appropriate to the learning level / learning progress status of each learner at any time, check / manage whether the learner is learning properly, and steadily check the learner. An object of the present invention is to provide a foreign language learning system capable of improving foreign language proficiency and learning / checking four basic learning items which are particularly effective in elementary level learning.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a foreign language learning system comprising one or a plurality of information processing terminals and a server connected to a network. A learning unit that divides a period into a plurality of unit periods, and for each of the unit periods, the information processing terminal performs learning while checking learning content based on a learning task distributed from the server; Communication means for accumulating the information and transmitting it to the server at every unit period, wherein the server selects / determines a learning task in the next unit period according to a learning result transmitted from the information processing terminal. It is configured to include a learning task determination unit and a task distribution unit that distributes the determined learning task to a corresponding information processing terminal.

According to the above-mentioned foreign language learning system, learning can be performed while checking learning contents, instead of simply presenting a question and giving an answer or scoring. Learning results (improvement of language skills,
An appropriate learning task is selected and presented to each learner according to the learning progress status), so that the foreign language ability can be systematically and steadily improved.

[0008] The information processing terminal on the user side is an information processing terminal for performing foreign language learning based on a learning task distributed from outside, and has four learning items of reading / writing / listening / speaking. , Each having a learning management means for checking the learning status of the learner.
Performing learning of these four learning items has a high learning effect especially in learning for an elementary level. The present invention is particularly characterized in that learning items of “writing” and “speaking” can be learned while checking the learning status of the learner.

[0009] For example, with respect to writing learning in the four learning items, the learning management means displays a model of a sentence as the learning task, and traces each character of the sentence or while watching the sample. The distance between each character of the handwritten input sentence and each character of the model is calculated, and the learning status of the learner is checked based on whether the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0010] Further, for example, with respect to speaking learning in the four learning items, the learning management means outputs a speech waveform of a sentence as the learning task and outputs a pitch corresponding to a locus of the speech waveform of the sentence. Is displayed, a learner's reading aloud for the display is input, and the learner's learning status is checked by comparing the learner's speech waveform pattern with a model pattern created in advance.

Further, for example, the information processing terminal is a portable information processing terminal. According to the applicant of the present invention, foreign language learning is more effective when learning intensively in a short period of time than in learning over a long period of time, even if the total learning time is the same. Although it has been confirmed, in this case, the learning time per day increases. Therefore, by holding a portable information processing terminal such as a mobile device, the user can learn anytime, anywhere, and little by little during free time, and can handle even a long learning time per day. it can.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, English will be described as an example of a foreign language. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the foreign language learning system according to this example is basically applicable to all foreign language learning. Applicable.

By the way, first of all, foreign language learning is
Especially for beginner level (junior high school level) learning,
Reading, writing, listening (lis)
The four learning items of ting and speaking are basic and important, and it is important to repeat these learnings. Of which, reading
Listening (listing) is currently realized, for example, by an English language learning service on the Internet, but it does not learn to write and speak (however, the problem sentence is not Reading, selecting an answer, or writing an answer (by keyboard input, etc.) is an act included in reading, and the above-mentioned "writing" is a different thing. In addition, what is mentioned here is at least a process of checking the learning contents, for example, simply by displaying a question sentence and letting the user read aloud without permission (speaking). It does not mean that learning has been done). In the foreign language learning system of this example, it is possible to surely and efficiently improve the foreign language learning result by repeatedly performing the learning while constantly checking whether or not the above four learning items are properly learned.

[0014] Further, the applicant of the present invention is intensive in a shorter period (for example, about 1 to 2 months) than in the case of learning over one year even if the same learning is performed for 100 hours. I have actually confirmed that the more I learn, the better my learning results. However, in this case, the learning time per day increases (about 2 to 3 hours per day in the above example). If the information processing device on the user side is not portable, such as a desktop personal computer, it is absolutely necessary to secure a certain amount of time for learning, which is a heavy burden for busy modern people. If the user learns by finding free time little by little in the day and learns in total for two to three hours per day, the burden on the user is reduced. In this regard, it is desirable that the information processing device on the user side in the foreign language learning system of this example is a portable information terminal such as a mobile.

Therefore, in the following description, the information processing device on the user side is described as being a portable information terminal, but this does not mean that the present invention cannot be realized without using a portable information terminal.

In order to further improve foreign language abilities, it is necessary that the content of the learning is not too easy, not too difficult, and has an appropriate difficulty level according to the individual's individual abilities. . Furthermore, since the abilities are improved during the learning period, it is desirable to change the difficulty level according to the abilities of the individual. Furthermore, even if two people have the same score in a comprehensive test, they usually differ in the content they understand / the content they do not understand (field of specialty / field of weakness). Learning outcomes will be better if you concentrate on learning only the contents that you have not yet understood, rather than learning the contents that you have already fully understood.

As described above, the learning task for each user is dynamically determined / changed during the learning period in accordance with the improvement of the level for each user or the level in the course of learning, or the strength or weakness of each user. By giving an appropriate task to the user, more effective foreign language learning can be performed.

Alternatively, a learning curriculum (difficulty level, daily learning time, learning period) is presented, and the expected result (UP rate of test points, etc.) is notified to the person, and the person is asked whether or not to do it. A decision may be made (or a choice may be made from a plurality of learning curricula). It is expected that the motivation of the user will be increased (or maintained) by specifically indicating how much results are obtained by the learning. still,
The expected results are determined based on past performance data. For example, statistical values (average values, standard deviations, etc.) such as UP rates of test points of a plurality of persons who have learned in the past with substantially the same learning curriculum are calculated and presented to the user. The test results of the user who learned this time are added to the statistics and reflected in the next person's prediction.

Further, a test (a so-called intermediate test) may be performed at an appropriate time during the learning period in order to confirm whether or not the result is improving as expected. Improving / sustaining motivation in this way can be expected to reduce the number of people who drop out.

FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of the whole foreign language learning system according to the present embodiment. The foreign language learning system shown in FIG. 1 is a database that stores information such as a portable information terminal 1 carried by each user (learner), various tasks and problem sentences of foreign language learning, and learning results and learning history of each user. (Not shown), a public line network, a private line network (PHS network, mobile phone network, etc.), a network such as the Internet (including a closed network in a school) 3.

When the user wishes, the portable information terminal 1
To access the server device 2 via the network 3 to download, for example, one week of learning tasks (or necessary learning tasks each time). Then, various types of learning described later are performed in detail. The portable information terminal 1 allows the user to perform learning while checking the learning content as described later, and furthermore, learns the result (the assignment is completed (“pass” described later)).
Sent to the server device 2).

As described above, the device used on the user side is not limited to the portable information terminal, but is particularly written (writ).
ing) In order to perform the learning, it is necessary to provide a configuration such as a touch panel and a stylus pen that can input characters and the like by handwriting of the user.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic hardware configuration of the portable information terminal. The hardware configuration of the portable information terminal used in the foreign language learning system of the present example may be an existing one, and therefore will not be described in detail. However, in general, the CPU 11, the storage unit 12, and the display / input Unit 13, audio input unit 14, audio output unit 15, communication unit 1
6 and the like.

The storage unit 12 stores an application program for realizing a learning process by a foreign language learning system described later, an OS, and various programs for providing functions of a portable information terminal which has existed conventionally. The CPU 11 reads these programs, and
Execute various processes. The storage unit 12 is, for example, a ROM / R
AM and the like. Alternatively, if the portable information terminal is a portable personal computer (such as a notebook personal computer), H
It may be a DD (hard disk drive) or a portable storage medium (FD (flexible disk), CD-ROM, etc.).

The display / input unit 13 is, for example, a touch panel (and a dedicated pen such as a stylus pen). The voice input unit 14 is a configuration necessary mainly for the above-described learning of the speaking. The voice input unit 14 may be a built-in microphone or an external microphone. However, because I am trying to learn everywhere, for example, in a public place, the surrounding noise is loud and I speak later (speakin
g) To prevent mistakes in the learning check process,
It is desirable to use a so-called "bone conduction microphone" (vibration pickup microphone).

The audio output unit 15 mainly listens to the above (list
ing), and may be a speaker or the like, but it is preferable to use an earphone or the like. In this example, the communication unit 16 is mainly configured to transmit and receive data to and from the server 2 via the network 3 (download a question sentence / reply a learning result, etc.), and particularly provide a wireless communication function. . Therefore, for example, a wireless communication function such as a PHS or a mobile phone may be built in, or a configuration in which an external PHS or a mobile phone is connected may be employed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic processing flowchart of the learning method by the foreign language learning system. Before that, as a premise, first, a standardized placement test is performed for each user, and the foreign language ability of the user is objectively evaluated. That is, first, the test question is server 2
Pooled on the side, the server 2 selects a problem necessary for measuring an objective foreign language ability from among these, and distributes this problem to each user (download to the portable information terminal 1). When each user inputs the given 20 to 30 questions, the mobile information terminal 1 returns the answer to the server 2. The server 2 performs the scoring to determine the level of the foreign language ability of the user.

Then, in the subsequent learning period, initially, an appropriate task for each user (for example, a task having a degree of difficulty corresponding to the level of the user) is distributed to each user according to the test result (step). S1). After that, the next task is selected and presented according to the analysis result of the learning result described later (for example, the difficulty of the next task is increased according to the degree of improvement in the user's ability as a result of the analysis, etc.). ).

Upon receiving the learning task distributed in step S1, the portable information terminal 1 of each user stores the learning task in the storage unit 12 (step S2). The learning task is
Here, a description will be given assuming that one learning period (for example, one week) is collectively distributed. However, as described above, since the amount of learning is large (for example, two to three hours per day), the task for one day may be distributed every day, or divided into several times in one day. You may make it distribute.

The portable information terminal 1 presents the task stored in the storage unit 12 according to the operation of the user, causes the user to perform learning, and checks the learning content (step S3) (specific method). Will be described later). Learning results (answers to questions and training ("
Are stored in the storage unit 12 (for example, data indicating whether or not “pass” described later) was performed properly. Then, when one learning period ends, the learning result stored in the storage unit 12 is transmitted to the server 2 (step S4).

The server 2 analyzes the received learning result (checks whether it is scoring or training) (step S5). Then, from the pooled tasks, a task for the next one learning period is selected according to the analysis result and distributed to the user (step S).
6). At this time, for example, when it is determined in the above analysis result that “this user has skipped learning”, a warning message is also transmitted, and if there is still no sign of improvement, the user is subsequently notified to the user. May not be trained (do not distribute learning assignments),
This is particularly effective when the foreign language learning system is applied to a supplementary lesson at the above university. ) Below, reading, writing, listening (listin)
g) and how to learn the four learning items of speaking.

First, reading and listening (lis)
ting) is basically already performed, but a learning method according to this example will be described below.・ Reading learning For example, a long sentence is displayed, and a question (a question asking whether the user understands the contents of the long sentence) is displayed and an answer is input. The answer method may be a selection method (alternative) or an answer may be input. Also, the problem is not limited to reading long sentences.・ Listening learning It is common practice to practice listening using earphones.

It is best to listen to the "native" practice in listening practice, but especially for beginners, the speed of the "native" is too fast, so even if you hear it many times, you will not be able to hear it (especially the reduction part). And speech that speaks small functional words, etc.), the evaluation of the learning result may not be appropriate. That said, for each user level,
It's hard to create one for each level (for example, for beginners, Japanese people speak slowly).

Therefore, by providing the portable information terminal 1 with speech speed conversion software and allowing the learner to freely specify the listening speed, listening practice can be performed according to the level of the user. At this time, when displaying the locus of the voice on the display, the locus of the original voice and the locus of the voice obtained by converting the voice speed of the original voice are displayed. In addition, at first we set the speech speed to "slow"
By gradually increasing the speed as you listen repeatedly, you can get used to your ears and listen at even faster speeds.

Further, the amplitude of the function word or the reduction can be arbitrarily changed (increased).・ Writing learning (monitoring of writing practice) In particular, in learning at a beginner level, the task of writing with the movement of one's own hand (such as writing a kanji) is important. This may be performed by a portable information terminal. Basically, some text is displayed, the same text is written, and it is checked whether or not it was written properly. For example, the following “method of tracing an example” and “method of not tracing an example” can be considered. (1) Method of tracing a model (a) First, a text to be transcribed is displayed on a display screen overlapping a touch panel. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, "How are you" is displayed. (b) The user (learner) traces each character (model character) of the sentence displayed on the screen with the pen on the touch panel. At this time, the character written by the user may be displayed in a different color from the example character, or the example may be displayed by a dotted line, and the locus of the pen may be displayed by a solid line. It is good (in the figure, an example is shown in which the example is displayed with a dotted line and the trace of the pen is displayed with a solid line). (c) The path of the pen is detected, and the distance between each line of the character written by the user and each line of the model character is calculated. If this distance is equal to or less than a preset value (this is determined for each character) To
The distance for each line may be compared, or the comparison may be made based on the sum of the distances for each line.) It is assumed that the user has written down properly, and the next sentence is displayed. Have them dictate. Or, in general, writing is to write the same sentence over and over again. For example, a counter for counting the number of writing times is set to +1.
The writing of the same character may be repeated until the count value reaches a predetermined value. On the other hand, if the distance is equal to or greater than the preset value, the document is rewritten, the counter is not incremented, or a point is reduced (for a test, etc.). (2) Method of not following the example (a) First, the text of the model to be transcribed is displayed on the display screen. This is displayed at a position different from the area where the user performs character input. (b) The user looks at this sentence and writes the same sentence in the input area on the touch panel. Characters written by the user are recognized by the character recognition function. At this time, some check conditions are set for each character. The check conditions include required items and model items. If the required items are satisfied, the result is passed. If not, the result is failed.
Further, when the required items are satisfied but the model items are not satisfied, some advice is given.

For example, looking at the example of the letter "H" shown in FIG. 5, the essential item is "There is one horizontal line between two vertical lines."
If this is not the case, it is not admitted that the letter "H" (or even this sentence) has been transcribed. The model items are, for example, "the lengths of two vertical lines are almost the same", "two vertical lines are perpendicular to the ruled line" and the like, and the model items are satisfied by individual writing habits and the like. It is considered that there are many cases where there is not, so even if the model items are not satisfied, it will be accepted. Therefore, in the illustrated example, let alone the example of “A”, it is considered acceptable if all the required items are satisfied even if the shape is broken as in the example of “A”. ・ Speaking learning (speaking) Monitoring of the progress of learning) Input of voices made by the user uses a built-in or external microphone of the portable information terminal. This may be a normal microphone. However, there is a merit that the learning using the portable information terminal can be performed anytime and anywhere. ) Is desirable. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. (a) First, for example, a model person (people who can pronounce correctly) is made to read aloud each sentence for which the user learns to speak, and the sound waveform pattern and the pitch pattern are measured and stored. (Called a model pattern). (b) When making the user learn, the sentence is displayed, and the locus of the voice waveform of the sentence and a change in the pitch of the voice (the model pattern; for example, as shown in FIG. 6A) are displayed. . Then, for example, by changing the color of a character (or each word) in a sentence at an appropriate speed, the user is instructed to read aloud (or a model reading aloud is heard from a speaker and imitated). May be instructed to do so).

Then, a voice waveform pattern and a pitch pattern of a user's reading aloud are measured, and this is compared with a model pattern. Then, it is determined whether or not both match, and if they match, the result is passed, and if they do not match, the result is rejected. .

There are, for example, the following two specific methods for judging whether or not the two coincide with each other. However, this is only an example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, existing speech recognition software may be used. In other words, the user may read aloud what the user has read aloud, compare the sentence as a result of the recognition with the question document (displayed above), and determine that a match is found if the two match. In this case, the model pattern is not necessary, and it is only checked whether or not the user has read aloud according to the displayed sentence. In addition, in consideration of the recognition rate of the existing speech recognition software, a pass may be made even if they do not completely match. (1) First method From the amplitude of the audio waveform to the end of the silence, 1
As one unit (for example, the part shown in FIG.
(B), the pattern is compared with the model pattern to determine the match / mismatch (however, the pattern is compared with a certain margin rather than strictly checking the match / mismatch). Basically, instead of strictly checking pronunciation accuracy,
This is because the purpose is to check whether they are learning (training) seriously. Therefore, since the program is simplified without using a complicated / advanced voice recognition function, it is possible to sufficiently cope with a small storage capacity of the portable information terminal.) At this time, the reading speed of the user is corrected so as to match the reading speed of the model pattern (FIG. 6B).
(A) is corrected so as to match the length of the portion of FIG. 6A), and both are compared. Thus, even if the user's speed of reading aloud is somewhat slower (or even faster), it is possible to prevent a mismatch (failure) with this. However, if the “part with amplitude” in the learner's reading pattern is longer than the “part with amplitude” of the model pattern by a predetermined first set value or more (for example, 1.3 times or more), the pronunciation is good. Since it is expected that they could get stuck halfway, they would say "Fail" and instruct them to read aloud again. Alternatively, conversely, if it is shorter than a predetermined second set value (for example, 0.6 or less), there is a possibility that the reading has not been completed, so it is judged as “fail” and an instruction to read again aloud is given. I do. (2) Second Method In a second method, a pattern with a high or low pitch is viewed.

For example, in a certain portion of the model pattern, when the pitch pattern starts from the bottom of the mountain, reaches a vertex in the middle, and descends, the learner's pattern becomes the same as the pitch of the mountain. If you follow the change (however, take extra margin, do not look strictly. The reason is writing
This is the same as described in the learning), and is regarded as “passed” (the learner practiced reading aloud properly). At this time, since the specific pitch itself differs depending on the speaker, it is not considered, and attention is paid only to the movement.

Here, as described above, when performing "speaking learning" in a place with a lot of noise (outdoors, trains / buses, etc.), a bone conduction microphone (vibration pickup type microphone) is used. It is desirable to use.

The bone conduction microphone (vibration pickup type microphone) is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-3976 by the inventor of the present application.
No. 3, Patent No. 2583838 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2-299934).
No.) has already been proposed, and since bone conduction voice vibration is picked up from the wall of the ear canal, it is difficult to pick up voices and noise (air vibration) of others.
For example, the measurement data shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the microphone has the best noise-to-noise ratio of the audio signal.

However, the vibration pickup type microphone and a normal microphone (hereinafter, referred to as an airway type microphone) are based on the principle of sound collection (sound transmitted through bones, sound transmitted through air). The frequency structure of the collected speech is different. The bone conduction microphone has, for example, frequency characteristics shown in FIG. FIG. 8B shows a signal spectrum when the bone conduction microphone is compared with an airway microphone (obtained when the airway microphone is set to 0 (dB)). As shown,
The bone conduction microphone is 1000
In a frequency range exceeding (Hz), the response (dB) drops sharply (because bones are more difficult to transmit higher frequencies than air). On the other hand, when creating the model pattern, a normal microphone was used. For this reason, there is a possibility that “failure” may occur even though the pronunciation of the user is not bad.

There are two ways to deal with this problem. The first method is a method of correcting an audio signal collected by a bone conduction microphone. In this method, in order to properly perform matching with a model pattern created using a normal microphone, a correction unit that corrects the frequency structure of the bone-conducting microphone so as to match the normal microphone is used. Provided before the processing circuit. The correction means may be a filter circuit (reverse filter circuit) having reverse correction characteristics in the frequency range of 1000 (Hz) or higher, or may perform correction by software.

The second method is a method in which a model pattern using a bone conduction microphone is also created and stored, and the model pattern used for matching is switched according to the microphone used by the user.

In any of the above methods, it is necessary to know which microphone is currently used. In response to this, the type of microphone currently used by the user is set by, for example, some switch or software.

Alternatively, two microphone input terminals (for a normal microphone and for a bone conduction microphone) are provided in a device to be used. This can be achieved by using the configuration shown in FIG. 9 for the first method, and detecting the terminal to which the microphone is currently connected for the second method, and using a model pattern corresponding to the detected terminal. (For example, when it is detected that a microphone is connected to the bone conduction microphone terminal, matching is performed using a model pattern created using the bone conduction microphone).

Alternatively, the determination may be made by software without providing a new configuration as described above. As described above, the frequency characteristics of the normal microphone and the bone conduction microphone are different, and have a peak (at around 3 kHz) as shown in FIG. 8A. By touching or tapping lightly, it is possible to determine which microphone is currently used (of course, the determination criteria (threshold, etc.) according to this specific action is determined by measuring the same action in advance. Based on data). this is,
For example, frequency analysis can be performed by software called FFT (usually incorporated), and the frequency characteristic around 3 kHz can be discriminated by looking at the frequency characteristic (the bone conduction microphone responds sensitively even by touching the microphone). .

Finally, the present invention provides a foreign language learning system,
Not only the information processing terminal and the server itself but also a computer-readable recording medium (storage) storing a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention when used by a computer. Medium).

In this case, the “recording medium” includes, for example, FIG.
0, a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM 21, a flexible disk 22 (or an MO, a DVD, a removable hard disk, or the like), or a storage unit (non- Or an information processing device 20 (the portable information terminal 1 described above).
/ Server 2) storage device (RAM / ROM or hard disk, etc.).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, a program for realizing the apparatus and method of the present invention stores the network 3 from storage means (not shown) in an external information processing apparatus 23 in which the program is stored. May be loaded into a storage device in the information processing device 20 via a CD-R or a CD-R storing the program.
By inserting the OM 21, the flexible disk 22, and the like into the medium drive device 20a provided (or connected) to the information processing device 20, the programs (data) 21a, 22a stored in these portable storage media can be read. May be read by the medium drive device 20a.

[0051]

As described above in detail, according to the foreign language learning system of the present invention and the information processing terminal thereof, according to the improvement of the language proficiency level of each learner and the language proficiency level,
Or, according to the learning progress status of each learner, it is possible to present an appropriate learning task (or problem) for each learner, and check / manage whether each learner is learning properly. In this way, it is possible to carry out effective learning, and it is possible to contribute to improvement of a learner's language ability level. In particular, "reading", "writing",
"Listening" and "speaking"
Since it is made possible to perform one learning and to check the learning contents, it is possible to perform more effective learning, especially for beginner level learners.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of an entire foreign language learning system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic hardware configuration of a portable information terminal.

FIG. 3 is a schematic processing flowchart of a learning method by a foreign language learning system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a checking process in writing learning;

FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 2) for describing a checking process in writing learning;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a check process in speaking learning.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the clarity of a single sound in the noise of a bone conduction microphone in comparison with other microphones.

8A is a diagram illustrating a frequency characteristic of a bone conduction microphone, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a signal spectrum obtained by comparing this with a normal microphone.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining correction of an audio signal of a bone conduction microphone when there are two microphone input terminals.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recording medium on which a program for realizing various functions according to the present invention is recorded.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 portable information terminal 2 server 3 network 11 CPU 12 storage unit 13 display / input unit 14 audio input unit 15 audio output unit 16 communication unit 20 information processing device 20a medium drive device 21 CD-ROM 21a program (data) 22 flexible disk 22a Program (data) 23 External information processing device

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A foreign language learning system comprising one or more information processing terminals and a server connected to a network, wherein the learning period is divided into a plurality of unit periods within a predetermined learning period. The information processing terminal includes: a learning unit that performs learning while checking learning content based on a learning task distributed from the server; and accumulates a result of the learning and transmits the learning result to the server for each unit period. A communication means for selecting a learning task in a next unit period in accordance with a learning result transmitted from the information processing terminal; and a server corresponding to the determined learning task. A foreign language learning system comprising: 2. An information processing terminal for performing a foreign language learning based on a learning task distributed from outside, wherein each of the four learning items of reading / writing / listening / speaking has a learning status of a learner. An information processing terminal, comprising: a learning management unit for checking the information. 3. With respect to writing learning in the four learning items, the learning management means displays an example of a sentence as the learning task, and traces each character of the sentence or while looking at the example. Calculating the distance between each character of the text input by handwriting and each character of the model, and checking the learning status of the learner by checking whether the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value set in advance. 3. The information processing terminal according to claim 2, wherein: 4. A learning management unit outputs a speech waveform of a sentence as the learning task and changes a pitch corresponding to a locus of the speech waveform of the sentence with respect to learning of speaking in the four learning items. And displaying the learner's learning status by inputting the learner's reading aloud to the display and comparing the learner's voice waveform pattern with a model pattern created in advance. The information processing terminal according to 2 or 3. 5. The learning management means displays a text to be read aloud with respect to speaking learning in the four learning items,
4. The learning status of the learner is checked by inputting a learner's reading aloud for the display and performing voice recognition, and comparing a sentence as the recognition result with the read aloud sentence. Information processing terminal according to the description. 6. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information processing terminal is a portable information processing terminal. 7. The information processing terminal according to claim 4, wherein a bone conduction microphone is used as a configuration for inputting the student's reading aloud. 8. The model pattern is created by using a bone-conducting microphone, or by correcting an audio signal input by the bone-conducting microphone so that the model pattern can be compared with a model pattern created by a normal microphone. The information processing terminal according to claim 7, wherein 9. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server notifies the information processing terminal of a result expected by the learning curriculum together with a candidate of the learning curriculum, and determines whether or not to perform the learning. Information processing terminal. 10. A server in a foreign language learning system comprising one or more information processing terminals connected to a network and a server, wherein the learning period is divided into a plurality of unit periods within a predetermined learning period. A learning task determining means for selecting / determining a learning task in a next unit period according to a previous test result or / and a learning result transmitted from the information processing terminal for each unit period; A server, comprising: a task delivery unit that delivers to a corresponding information processing terminal. 11. A function of selecting / determining a learning task in a next period according to a prior test result or / and a learning result transmitted from an information processing terminal of each learner when used in a computer; A function of delivering the determined learning task to a corresponding information processing terminal; and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for realizing the function.